auxiliary verb / adjective HSK 1
can · may · to be able to · to be okay · not bad
Meaning
可以 is one of the most versatile and frequently used words in Mandarin. As an auxiliary verb, it expresses permission ("may") or ability ("can"). As an adjective, it means something is acceptable, decent, or pretty good—often translated as "okay" or "not bad."
Usage
Native speakers use 可以 constantly in daily conversation. It's less formal than 能够 when expressing ability. When someone asks if something is good, responding 可以 suggests it's satisfactory or even surprisingly good. It can also soften requests: 可以...吗? ("May I...?") is the standard polite way to ask permission.
Examples
- 01我可以用你的笔吗？?May I use your pen?
- 02这家餐厅的菜还可以。.This restaurant's food is pretty decent.
Characters
Common collocations
- 可以吗is it okay?; may I?
- 还可以so-so; passable
- 可以说it can be said; one could say
- 不可以not allowed; cannot
Antonyms
Origin
可 originally meant "to approve" and 以 meant "to use/by means of." Together they formed the meaning "approved to use/do" which evolved into expressing permission and ability.